April 3, 2014

Black Tie With Medals

What do you do when you receive an invitation stating that the attire for the evening is “Black Tie with Medals”? If you’re like me, you throw the idea out into the winds, or put it on Facebook, and see what happens, fully expecting to get back a lot of wise-cracks. Or, an unexpected offer from a super-creative friend to whip up some medals for you!

My school friend, Andrea, who’s the creative genius behind Bosom Buddy Bags, offered to whip up some medals for me to wear. Andrea and BBB have been making my handbags for a few years now, and everywhere I go, people rave about them. The company’s signature motif is a bee, because of their name, and because they’re just busy bees making the bags. bbb

A few days ago, Andrea re-iterated her offer of the medals, so I sent her a picture of my dress, which is black, with an olive-y green taffeta skirt. She got busy, and when she e-mailed me the images of the medals she’d created, I literally had tears in my eyes because the designs were so perfect, and because she’s so wonderful to do this for me.

The first medal has an amazing background with loads of leaves, acorns, scrolls, a crown and center motif of her signature bee. She even thought to add a tiny green stone to echo the skirt of my dress! It’s on a gold chain with an olive green ribbon so I can adjust the length.

The second medal has a little more gravitas.

It’s on a black grosgrain ribbon with a center stone in the green of my skirt. It’s also adjustable, so I can wear it more like a choker.

It’s supposed to be chilly for the party (naturally!), so I am going to wear a beautiful cream brocade opera coat I was given a few months ago. It’s a stunning piece. If all goes well, I might manage to look pretty decent for the party, medals and all.  Thanks for all of your help, Andrea!!!

21 comments:

  1. Oh my, now you need to come up with some distinguished name for the awards. The order of lady baltimore ......golden fiddle dee dee and bronze oak leaf flusters.

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    1. I can hark back to an ancestor and use the Lady Fairfax title. That ought to get some kind of medal!

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  2. I would advise caution on this one. Creating and wearing homemade "medals" may be taken as mockery to the people who will be wearing true earned medals. http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplemental/Orders,Decorations.htm I keep getting the image of being invited to wear academic robes to a graduation and wearing a bathrobe covered in books. Not sure that would go over so well. Baltimore is close enough to DC that I am guessing you'll pull in some people from the State, Defense and attache crowd?

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    1. It's not a military dinner, it's for the Fellows of the AIA, who get a medal when they become a fellow. I've checked this with the Fellow who's hosting the party and he's fine with this, and in fact, has encouraged ALL medals. This was a well-thought out decision, made with some consultation and care.

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    2. Sorry...I wasn't suggesting that it was a military event, although there could be military in attendance. There are a large number of civilian/agency medals throughout the government and diplomatic corps that aren't associated with the military. But clearly if the hosts are comfortable with decorative medals, then it sounds like fun!

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  3. They are gorgeous! Your friend should consider them for a fall sales campaign. I'd certainly buy one. I disagree with the comment re homemade. What else can you do if you don't own a "true" medal?

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    1. Thanks! If you look at my comment to Anon@5:58, you will see that it is a considered decision. The medals are not "home-made", either.

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  4. Meg, ahem, Lady Fairfax, You have the most wonderful, thoughtful and kindest friends. I don't think you are dishonouring anyone by wearing those gorgeous pieces of jewelry. They flatter and reflect those medals. I can't wait to see pictures of you in full dress - I want to see that coat. You live such an interesting life and I enjoy participating vicariously through your posts. Enjoy your evening! Cathy D.

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    1. I DO have the most wonderful friends! You are right - I am wearing them as jewelry.

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  5. Well Meg I can't wait to hear more about this event! That bee Medal would be my choice! I do have a St John brooch with an insignia and little tassels in gold and black that could work well.

    xoxo
    Karena
    2014 Artists Series
    Fashion Photographer Eddie Collins

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  6. The medals are the best + take lots of photos + have a marvelous time!xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  7. There is an "instruction" used properly on formal invititations which reads " Decorations for serving officers"

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    1. Because this isn't a military event, I am not really worried.

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  8. Lady Fairfax, no top hat this time?:)

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  9. Is that an instruction for the men? Never heard that otherwise.
    I love the one with the bee and crown. Very Napoleonic.
    Di
    X

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    1. Di... it's sort of a military thing. But this was an architects dinner!

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  10. What a great friend.... and, wonderful medals, indeed! Have a great time!

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    1. She is a great friend, they are wonderful medals, and we did have a great time!

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  11. A blog on Black Tie with Medals is good one and there are some nice images shown on the website.

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